Portrait of Monsieur Pertuiset the Lion-Hunter

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%C3%89douard Manet - Pertuiset, le chasseur de lions

Portrait of Monsieur Pertuiset, the Lion-Hunter is an oil painting by the French artist Édouard Manet, completed in 1881. The painting depicts Étienne Pertuiset, a famous lion hunter, adventurer, and explorer of his time. This work is notable for its realistic portrayal of the subject and its contribution to the genre of portrait painting in the late 19th century. The painting is housed in the Museu de Arte de São Paulo (MASP) in Brazil, showcasing Manet's skill in capturing character and the subtleties of human expression.

Description

The painting measures 150.5 x 250.5 cm, making it one of Manet's larger works. It shows Pertuiset in a dynamic pose, as if caught in a moment of action. He is depicted in a rugged landscape, rifle in hand, suggesting his prowess as a hunter. The use of light and shadow, along with the detailed rendering of Pertuiset's attire and the surrounding landscape, demonstrates Manet's mastery of oil painting. The composition and the manner in which Manet captures the essence of Pertuiset's character are particularly admired by art historians.

Background

Étienne Pertuiset was a well-known figure in Parisian society, celebrated for his hunting exploits in Africa. His adventurous life and personality captivated many, including Manet, who sought to capture the essence of the man and his legend in this portrait. The painting was created during a period when Manet was exploring the theme of the individual against the backdrop of nature, a departure from his earlier focus on urban scenes and social life in Paris.

Significance

The Portrait of Monsieur Pertuiset, the Lion-Hunter is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it is an example of Manet's late work, where he focused more on individual subjects and less on social commentary. Secondly, the painting is a testament to the fascination with exoticism and adventure that was prevalent in 19th-century Europe. Through Pertuiset's portrayal, Manet taps into the contemporary interest in exploration and the allure of the unknown. Lastly, the work is important for its technical execution, showcasing Manet's skill in portraying the textures of fabric, the human form, and the natural environment.

Reception

Upon its unveiling, the painting received mixed reviews. Some critics praised Manet's technique and the painting's composition, while others were less favorable, questioning the choice of subject matter. Over time, however, Portrait of Monsieur Pertuiset, the Lion-Hunter has been reassessed and is now celebrated as a significant work in Manet's oeuvre and in the history of French painting.

In Popular Culture

While not as widely recognized as some of Manet's other works, such as Olympia or The Luncheon on the Grass, the Portrait of Monsieur Pertuiset, the Lion-Hunter has appeared in various forms of popular culture, often cited in discussions of Manet's exploration of character and the exotic.

See Also

• Édouard Manet
• 19th-century French painting
• Portrait painting
• Museu de Arte de São Paulo